Audit Group Manager

TN United Kingdom; Wilmslow; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading organization as an Audit Group Manager (Assurance) in Wilmslow. You will oversee audits, lead teams, and develop strategies to ensure compliance with data protection obligations. Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and excellent benefits.

Benefits

25 days paid holiday

Flexi leave

Pension contribution

Health Cash Plan

Online discount scheme

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Substantial relevant experience, through qualifications or experience.
• Experience conducting compliance audits or assessments.
• Experience managing teams in a compliance assessment environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for the Assurance department.
• Manage and develop team managers and staff, monitoring performance.
• Engage with stakeholders to plan and deliver assurance activities.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Leadership

Communication

Education

Relevant Qualifications

Job description

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Salary: £52,994 to £59,975, with potential for further progression to £67,530 with our pay progression scheme.

Location: Hybrid

Contracted to our Wilmslow office, however, we offer flexible home and office-based working opportunities. There will be times when you will be expected to attend the office to collaborate with colleagues or travel due to business need.

Why work for the ICO?

• Hybrid and flexible working options.
• 25 days paid holiday per year, plus privilege and public holidays.
• Flexi leave (up to 26 additional days leave per year).
• Pension (employer contribution around 28.9%).
• Online discount scheme to save money at major supermarkets, retailers, gyms, restaurants, insurance providers and many more.
• Health Cash Plan.
• Fantastic development opportunities to learn and progress.
• Further details can be found on the benefits section of our website.

Job summary

Do you have internal audit experience? Be part of a team who carry out audits of public and private companies, public authorities and government departments, looking at whether they have effective controls in place alongside fit for purpose policies and procedures to support their data protection obligations. Join the team who protect the information rights of the public.

As the Audit Group Manager (Assurance), you will be responsible for the development and delivery of these services, leading, developing, and motivating teams, and owning the strategic development of an annual assurance programme. You will oversee high-priority and complex assurance activities, including audits under an Assessment Notice, managing engagements from start to finish if necessary.

The ICO is an independent regulator of information rights, providing advice, guidance, and support to organizations to ensure compliance and protect individuals’ data.

We are passionate about making a positive difference, fostering curiosity, impact, collaboration, and respect among our staff.

Our assurance activities focus on helping organizations implement effective controls related to their information rights obligations, utilizing powers of audit, assessment, voluntary engagement, and promoting good practices. The department continuously evolves to find new ways to help organizations achieve compliance.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for the Assurance department.
• Create and manage the annual programme of work for both public and private sectors.
• Manage and develop team managers and staff, monitoring performance and supporting professional growth.
• Oversee audit teams in high-priority, complex assurance work, especially related to GDPR and DPA 2018.
• Ensure effective resource allocation and high-quality outputs for stakeholders.
• Develop, monitor, and review policies, processes, and procedures, adopting a risk-based approach.
• Assist in monitoring team effectiveness and driving continuous improvement.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to plan and deliver assurance activities, serving as a key contact.
• Represent ICO assurance activities at conferences and meetings.
• Manage individual projects and department initiatives to meet strategic goals, ensuring timely and within-budget delivery.
• Deputise for the Head of Assurance as needed.
• Ensure compliance with ICO policies and procedures.

Person specification

Essential criteria assessed at application stage:

• Substantial relevant experience, through qualifications or experience.
• Experience conducting compliance audits or assessments.
• Experience managing teams in a compliance assessment environment.
• Ability to lead significant projects.
• Strong analytical skills to apply complex legislation practically.
• High literacy and effective written communication skills.

Essential criteria assessed during interview:

• Ability to quickly process large volumes of information.
• Leadership in managing significant projects.
• Strategic thinking and organizational goal orientation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, negotiation, and relationship management with senior external stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize, and handle large workloads.
• Experience in developing and managing staff performance.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

The ICO promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion, aiming for a workforce reflective of the communities served. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where everyone can make a difference, supported by our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Board and staff networks. More information is available on our website.

Candidates with a disability meeting minimum criteria will be invited to interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. If you require an alternative application method, contact our HR team via email.

Closing Date

Please submit your CV by 23:59, 31 July 2024. We may close the vacancy earlier if sufficient applications are received. Apply promptly to be considered.

Note: Post holders will need security clearance at least at SC level, possibly DV, which involves disclosure of convictions. Convictions will be considered but may not prevent clearance.